A Day in the Park

Max and I spent some time in the Loop today while Justin spent some time in the office. We visited Millenium Park, where we saw the Cloud Gate (aka "The Bean") sculpture as well as the kids playing in the fountains. We had to sit on the sidelines this year, but look forward to getting wet next summer.

The Nursery

We are still putting our new home together, but the nursery is nearly complete. Max really enjoys having his own room, and we are all getting a little more sleep. He just took interest in the owl mobile above his crib and also loves the bird decoration by the changing table (hand picked by his cousins Andrew Cole and John).

Working Out

Max has just started to enjoy his jungle gym (a loaner from his generous cousin Lucy). A few weeks ago, he would scream as soon as we placed him on the mat, but now he is fascinated by the flashing lights and music. He has not started batting at the toys yet, but he kicks his legs and coos a lot.

That Thumb

Max has longed to be a thumb-sucker since day one, but it has taken more than 10 weeks for him to master the craft.

Here he is his first night home, when he couldn't quite get the angle right.
This week, he has really turned a corner. First, the hand meets the face.


Then he works on a fist ...


Eureka!!!

He can even hold on to his nose at the same time.

Youngest Phillies Fan

Max has been sporting all of his Phillies threads this week to support his dad's favorite team. Although he was fast asleep long before the game was over, Max was delighted to hear about the latest blowout against the (gasp!) Chicago Cubs. I try not to take him out in public to avoid rubbing it in.

Moving Out

After four years in Old Town, we moved to Andersonville, a neighborhood on the far north side of the city. While we are excited about our new, roomier pad, we will have great memories of our first apartment in Chicago, which was the site of many other "firsts," including our engagement, wedding preparations and baby. We are just settling in to our new place, which has required some patience now that we are on Max's schedule.
Here we are showing Max around the new 'hood.

Lots of Cousins

We traveled to Indianapolis/Bloomington for the 4th of July, and Maxwell got to spend some quality time with his cousins.

Our first stop was in Indy, where it was hard to keep Isabel, Andrew Cole and John in one place for a group photo.
Don't you think all kids should romp around in overalls all summer?We also spent a night in Bloomington, and Max got to spend some time with Harrison (10 months) and Parker (6 months). We arranged this photo shoot Sunday morning, which was hard considering a staggered naptime schedule. Luckily, everyone was a good sport.